Ida Red
The Lost & Found Lyrics
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E7
Clock on the mantle says it's gettin' late
A A7 D Dm
Curtains on the window, snowy white
A E7
Fatheret the witless it's Sunday night
A D
A E7 A
I'm a plumb fool 'bout Ida Red
Lamp on the table, picture on the wall
There's a pretty soul and that's not all
If I'm not mistaken and I'm sure I'm right
There's somebody else in the parlour tonight
Chicken in a bread bin pickin' out dough
Granny whatta ya know about Ohio ?
Hurry up boys and don't fool around
Grab your partner and truck on down
My ol' Missus swore to me
When she died she'd set me free
She lived so long her head got bald
She took a notion not to die at all
Lamp on the table, picture on the wall
There's a pretty soul and that's not all
If I'm not mistaken and I'm sure I'm right
There's somebody else in the parlour tonight
The Lost & Found's "Ida Red" is a nostalgic and atmospheric song that takes the listener back to an old-fashioned Sunday evening spent in a cozy home. The song begins with a domestic scene of lighting a fire in the grate and checking the clock on the mantle, as curtains on the window provide a snowy white backdrop. The singer then addresses his father and declares his love for Ida Red, a person who occupies his thoughts and heart.
As the song progresses, the singer notices details that suggest someone else is in the parlour tonight with the "pretty soul" depicted in the picture on the wall. The lyrics then shift to a more upbeat and carefree tone, as the singer sings about a chicken in a bread bin picking out dough and asks Granny for her knowledge of Ohio. The song concludes with a humorous verse about the singer's wife swearing to set him free upon her death, only to live so long that she decided not to die at all.
The lyrics of "Ida Red" evoke a sense of sentimental longing for a bygone era, as well as a whimsical sense of humor that speaks to the human condition. The imagery of a warm home, family, and food creates a cozy atmosphere that invites listeners to join in the nostalgia.
Line by Line Meaning
Light the pilot fire in the grate
Start the small flame in the fireplace to warm the room
Clock on the mantle says it's gettin' late
The clock on the fireplace mantel shows that the night is progressing
Curtains on the window, snowy white
The white curtains on the window are visible and beautiful
Fatheret the witless it's Sunday night
Quietly ignore the foolish talk from Father, as it is already Sunday night
Chor : Ida Red, Ida Red
I'm a plumb fool 'bout Ida Red
Chorus: Expressing love for Ida Red, despite being called foolish for it
Lamp on the table, picture on the wall
The lamp is lit on the table, while there is a picture hanging on the wall
There's a pretty soul and that's not all
There is someone beautiful in the room, and that is not the only thing of interest
If I'm not mistaken and I'm sure I'm right
Assuming that he is correct in his observation
There's somebody else in the parlour tonight
Someone else is also present in the room tonight
Chicken in a bread bin pickin' out dough
A chicken is inside a container meant for storing bread, pecking at the dough
Granny whatta ya know about Ohio ?
Grandma, do you have any knowledge of Ohio?
Hurry up boys and don't fool around
Tell the boys to move quickly and not waste time
Grab your partner and truck on down
Take your dance partner and leave immediately
My ol' Missus swore to me
When she died she'd set me free
My old wife promised that she would free me upon her death
She lived so long her head got bald
She took a notion not to die at all
She lived to a very old age and lost her hair; she then decided she didn't want to die after all
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JACK GUTHRIE, KEN NELSON, BOB WILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind